Mercury contamination continues to haunt the community of Grassy Narrows.
A second report on the health of First Nations members has been released, this time focusing on youth.
Lead researcher Donna Mergler says mercury poisoning is hampering the learning ability of the children.
The extensive survey found the impact of mercury depends on how much fish the children’s mother actually consumed.
Mergler research found higher levels of behavioural issues and learning difficulties as a result.
For mothers who didn’t eat fish, 20% of children suffered from emotional problems, compared to 30% for moms who ate fish at least once a month and 57% for those who ate fish at least once a week.
Mergler adds the consumption of mercury by kids is resulting in health problems which is affecting their school performance.
Mergler says those impacted are in dire need of more special education support programs.
She stresses when health professionals have these findings, they can approach the problem differently and implement new strategies to help children cope and recover from their struggles.
The report is based on the responses of over 350 students in Grassy Narrows in a 170 question survey.
